Palin Resigns
The Alaska governor announced Friday afternoon that she will leave office on July 26.
Republican Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will not seek reelection in 2010 and plans to resign from her job as governor on July 26, according to the Washington Post.
While she did not mention plans for pursuing another office, some have speculated that she intends to run for U.S. Senate or president, according to People.com. Alaska is up for a Senate seat in 2010.
According to Reuters, Palin, 45, said she is not quitting but only advancing in a different direction.
The virtually unknown first female governor of Alaska was thrust into the spotlight at the end of last summer when former presidential candidate John McCain picked her for his running mate. During the announcement at her home in Wasilla, Alaska, Palin cited the media's criticism of her family and political conduct since the campaign. She said her decision to leave office came after much prayer and consideration.
Palin's resignation has shocked Republican strategists, according to the Washington Post.
Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will take over for Palin after she leaves office.
